Delegation of the UAE Federal National Council expresses support for Armenia’s ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative

Vanyan Gary

 18:48,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan on Tuesday received the delegation of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, headed by Ali Rashid Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council, Grigoryan's Office said.

It is noted that, the interlocutors commended the intensive development of Armenia-UAE economic relations, within the framework of which the trade turnover in 2023 reached $2.8 billion, recording an increase of 185 percent as compared to 2022. The parties also discussed the possibilities of cooperation within the spheres of bilateral interest.

According to the source, The parties also discussed the possibilities of cooperation within the  domain of bilateral interest.

Ali Rashid Al-Nuaim expressed support for the Crossroads of Peace project presented by the Armenian government, within the framework of which the parties discussed regional cooperation.

Bilateral trade potential between Armenia and UAE not exhausted, says Speaker of Parliament

Andranik Taslakhchian

 19:05,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  Armenian speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan  on Tuesday received the delegation led by the chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee in the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates and vice-president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,  Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi.

Welcoming the guest, Alen Simonyan noted that the UAE is one of Armenia's reliable and important partners. The results of the high-level political dialogue, friendly relations, and dynamic interaction established between the two countries are evident, the National Assembly of Armenia said in a statement.

“According to the results of 2023, the UAE is the second largest trade partner of Armenia. In 2023, the trade volume exceeded 2 billion USD.

The Speaker of the Parliament expressed confidence that the bilateral trade potential is not yet exhausted and affirmed that the Armenian government is ready to assist in promoting the process,’’ reads the statement.

According to the source, an agreement has been reached to enhance the institutional foundations of bilateral inter-parliamentary relations through the signing of a cooperation agreement.

Referring to the current security situation in the South Caucasus and Armenia's efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, the Speaker of the Parliament emphasized that Armenia has adopted a peace agenda and presented its 'Crossroads of Peace' project.

During the meeting, the comprehensive economic cooperation between Armenia and the UAE was touched upon.

Armenian President invites King Philippe of Belgium to Armenia

Antranik Varosian

 20:30,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan had a meeting with the King Philippe of Belgium, the Presidential Office stated.

The situation in the South Caucasus region, the friendly relations between Armenia and Belgium, and the deepening of the Armenia-EU partnership were discussed during the meeting.

The discussion between the parties  covered the situation in the South Caucasus region, the a friendly relations between Armenia and Belgium and the further development of the Armenia-EU partnership.

"In his speech, the King of Belgium shared his warm impressions from his private visit to Armenia and highly appreciated the role of the Belgian Armenian community in the country's life," reads the statement.

According to the source,  the parties discussed the democratic reforms implemented in Armenia in recent years.

It is noted that at the end of the meeting, President Vahagn Khachaturyan invited King Philippe to visit Armenia.

Armenpress: Event dedicated to the sixth anniversary of cooperation within Armenia-EU CEPA takes place

Khoyetsian Rose

 21:24,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  On January 16, with the participation of the representatives of the delegation of the European Union (EU), EU headquarters and the government of the Republic of Armenia, a meeting was held dedicated to the sixth anniversary of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2017.

 The purpose of the meeting was to emphasize the significance of the CEPA within the framework of Armenian-EU relations, as well as to assess the current stage of implementation and enhance efficiency, Grigoryan’s Office said.

"70 participants took part at the meeting of the CEPA and had an active participation in exchanging ideas among the partners. The meeting has become a unique platform to assess the progress of the CEPA and plan meaningful strategies to promote implementation.

 The representatives of the Government of Armenia presented details of their experience gained within the framework of the implementation of the CEPA. They discussed issues related to successes, challenges, needs, and ways to work better together.

During the external session, the Armenian government outlined specific areas in which reforms related to the CEPA were successfully implemented, demonstrating tangible achievements recorded thanks to the agreement.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos highly appreciated the long-term cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and the efforts to promote tangible and sustainable results for the benefit of the citizens of Armenia.

Ambassador Maragos mentioned the common values and interests that exist between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia.

The ambassador reaffirmed support for democratic and economic reforms, which will contribute to the acceleration of the modernization process in Armenia," the statement reads.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan noted that the implementation of CEPA, despite the challenging situations that arose after its signing, has been continuous. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the EU for the accelerated procedure in supporting reforms and economic initiatives aimed at ensuring the rule of law.

Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan reaffirmed that Armenia is ready to deepen cooperation with the EU and move forward on the path of implementing key reforms. He emphasized the active role of the EU in imparting the knowledge and experience of EU member states at this stage of Armenia's development.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the implementation of CEPA through more effective cooperation, expressing their commitment to further strengthening the EU-Armenia partnership.

Asbarez: Literary Lights 2024: A Reading Series Featuring New Works by Armenian Authors

Jalatian Sonya
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Arts & Culture, Books, Latest, News, Top Stories
IALA’s Literary Lights monthly reading series graphic


The International Armenian Literary Alliance, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, and the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will host “Literary Lights 2024,” their second annual monthly reading series featuring new works of literature by Armenian authors. Each event—held online—will feature a writer reading from their work, followed by a discussion with an interviewer and audience members.

Keep an eye on IALA’s website and socials for the exact dates of each event. Click here to read along with the series by purchasing titles from IALA’s online bookstore powered by Bookshop.

Register to attend the launch of Literary Lights 2024, featuring Tololyan Literary Prize recipient Aida Zilelian, author of “All the Ways We Lied.” Zilelian will be joined by Nancy Agabian, author of “Princess Freak” (2000), “Me as Her Again: True Stories of an Armenian Daughter” (2008), and the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction finalist, “The Fear of Large and Small Nations” (2023). The event will take place on Zoom on January 27 at 9 a.m. PST.

By turns heartfelt and heart-wrenching, “All the Ways We Lied” introduces a cast of tragically flawed but lovable characters on the brink of unraveling. With humor and compassion, this spellbinding tale explores the fraught and contradictory landscape of sisterhood, introducing four unforgettable women who have nothing in common, and are bound by blood and history. Learn more about the novel and author online.

Authors featured on Literary Lights 2024:

  • Tololyan Literary Prize recipient Aida Zilelian explores the reality of love and loss in the everyday lives of a modern-day Armenian family in her forthcoming novel, “All the Ways We Lied.” Available at: Bookshop.org, Abril Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kew & Willow Books, and Astoria Bookshop. Learn more here.
  • Selected by Barnes & Noble as their book-of-the-month for October, Ariel Djanikian’s newly-released “The Prospectors” is a sweeping rags-to-riches story of survival and greed across American history following a family transformed by the Klondike Gold Rush. Available at: Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, HarperCollins, and Kobo. Learn more here.
  • Join Tato and her family as they help Bábo (grandmother) on rug-washing day in this sweet and playful picture book tribute to Armenian cultural traditions. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection that has earned starred reviews from Kirkus, The Horn Book, and Publishers Weekly, “Bábo” was selected as one of the New York Public Library’s 2023 Best Books for Kids. Available at: Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, and Abril Books. Learn more here.
  • What is it like to walk away from your home? To leave behind everything and everyone you’ve ever known? Poetic, sensitive, and based on a true family history, “Lost Words” follows a young Armenian boy from the day he sets out to find refuge to the day he finally finds the courage to share his story. Preorder at: Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Learn more here.
  • Wry, tender, and formally innovative, Armen Davoudian’s forthcoming debut poetry collection, “The Palace of Forty Pillars,” tells the story of a self estranged from the world around him as a gay adolescent, an Armenian in Iran, and an immigrant in America. Preorder at: Tin House, Powell’s, Bookshop, and Amazon. Learn more here.
  • Winner of the 2023 Raz-Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry,”Jagadakeer: Apology to the Body” builds a eulogy in poems, claiming loss, the body’s failure, often interrupted with monologues and rants. The voice is that of a daughter of immigrant parents from Lebanon and Syria, of Armenian descent, now gone. Preorder at: Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.




AW: Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian authors his 49th book

Boshkezenian Garik
 Guest Contributor Literary Corner, Reviews 0

Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian

By Rev. Kevork George Terian

Once again, the Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian surprises us with the publication of another interesting and instructive book that deals with two very important aspects of our Christian life: our vertical relationship with our Creator and Savior and our horizontal relations with our fellow man. As a veteran minister and an experienced professor, the author points out that these two vital relationships are interconnected. The close correlation between the two is very obvious and undeniable. This truth becomes crystal clear to us in Matthew 22:37, where Jesus links loving God with loving our neighbors.

For human beings who are by nature sociable creatures, relationships are necessary, important and unavoidable; however, our vertical relationship with God must precede the horizontal relationships that bind us to one another. God’s pure and unselfish love for us obligates us to show the same love to one another.

Vertical and Horizontal Relations is a bilingual book consisting of 43 articles, 29 of which are in English and 14 in Armenian. Written in an accessible style, the author’s own life experience helps him connect with his readers. The English part of the book deals with major Armenian and American holidays and holy days, as well as views on issues such as Christian growth and maturity, pastor and parish relations, home as the first school of life and other topics. He also renders a scholarly analysis of the four Gospels. 

In the Armenian section entitled Ooghahayatz yev Horizonagan Haraperoutyunner, Dr. Tootikian deals with a variety of theological, educational and patriotic subjects, conveying timely truths to his readers with deep pastoral sensibility and solid Biblical and cultural knowledge.  

The greatest tragedy of our age is that our vertical relationship with God has become the most neglected relationship on earth. We must be cognizant of the fact that it is this vertical relationship that gives us access to God’s eternal Kingdom. Establishing intimacy with God, through a perpendicular relationship, will make the existence of the spiritual world become a tangible reality for us. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us that our acts of mercy, like feeding the hungry, providing clothes for the poor and visiting the incarcerated, are considered to be services that are rendered to Him. By alleviating human suffering, we honor Christ Himself. Our vertical relationship with God should intersect with our horizontal relationships with people.

While our relationship with God is based on faith alone, we are told, in no mistakable terms, that the way we relate to other people will have a direct bearing on our experience of Him.

In a very convincing way, Dr. Tootikian shows that our relationship with our Creator not only supersedes all of our human associations in importance, but also safeguards their moral integrity and preserves their unselfish character. In a nutshell, without establishing a close vertical relationship with God, it will be next to impossible to have healthy and robust interactions with our fellow man on the horizontal level.

Rev. Kevork (George) Terian is the Senior Pastor at Immanuel Armenian Congregational Church in Downey, California.




Rose and Alex Pilibos high school students helping Hye Hopes classes in Syunik

Chatinian Lara
 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News, Diaspora 0

Narineh Kouzouian, Greg Krikorian of Hye Hopes, Principal Maral Tavitian and Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School students

HOLLYWOOD—Hye Hopes Inc. visited Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School to show its appreciation to teacher Narineh Kouzouian and students, who have helped with synchronized instruction to students in the Syunik province of Armenia since January 2021. The Pilibos Scholars have collaborated with students from Kapan, Verishen, Meghri, Sisian and Agarak in the Hye Hopes online leadership course led by Kouzouian.

Teacher Narinek Kouzouian, Principal Maral Tavitian and Greg Krikorian of Hye Hopes Inc.

During his visit, Greg Krikorian, president and co-founder of Hye Hopes, said that the moments they get to share with their fellow high school students in Syunik are special. The students in Syunik are grateful for the time they spend on Zoom class together. Hye Hopes presented all the participating students with winter beanies as a small token of appreciation and acknowledgment. The Hye Hopes team is appreciative to Rose and Alex Pilibos School Principal Maral Tavitian for allowing Hye Hopes to work with her students and invites all Armenian private and public schools to join Hye Hopes in its efforts to support schools in Syunik.

Hye Hopes and Pilibos school teacher Kouzouian said, “Hye Hopes is a source of motivation, fostering connections with our brothers and sisters in the homeland and creating a sense of unity that conquers distance. The positive energy generated in these sessions inspires students to navigate their educational journey, reinforcing the belief that knowledge is a lasting power.” Many Hye Hopes teachers, like Kouzouian, are working full time jobs and logging in online at 9 or 10 p.m. PST to begin their online synchronized instruction for students in Syunik. 

Students at Kapan, School N1 in the Syunik Marz

“It truly is heartwarming seeing our youth’s commitment and passion to help their fellow students in Syunik, Armenia. Narineh’s commitment and tireless dedication, not only to the Pilibos students, but to all of the students in the Syunik, is admirable,” stated Hy Hopes chair Krikorian.

Hye Hopes Inc. was created three years ago on November 23, 2020 as a 501c3 nonprofit that provides essential educational resources and synchronized instruction for the displaced students from Artsakh relocating to Syunik. To date, Hye Hopes Inc. has provided over 150 laptops, desktops, printers, projectors and monitors to schools in Agarak, Goris, Kapan, Meghri, Sisian and Verishen. To learn more, volunteer and/or donate please visit Hyehopes.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.




Simon Maghakyan to give virtual presentation on fate of Artsakh’s monuments

Chalian Meline
 Guest Contributor Diaspora, Announcements 0

Simon Maghakyan

Investigative researcher Simon Maghakyan will speak in a virtual presentation on “Heritage in Peril: Artsakh’s Cultural Monuments in the Aftermath of Invasion” at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024. The Zoom registration link is: https://bit.ly/armenianstudiessimonmaghakyan. The event is the first in the Armenian Studies Program Spring 2024 Lecture Series and is supported by the Leon S. Peters Foundation Fund.

The last Armenian prayer in Artsakh was held at Dadivank on October 1, 2023, following Azerbaijan’s invasion and ethnic cleansing of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh. What happens to the monuments that Armenians had to leave behind? What can stakeholders do to prevent the scenario of Nakhichevan, where from 1997-2006 Azerbaijan eradicated the entire known inventory of Armenian Christian heritage? The talk will discuss current monitoring efforts and explore pathways for raising the cost of destruction to Azerbaijan and creating sustainable incentives for preserving Artsakh’s cultural monuments.

Maghakyan is an investigative researcher and cultural heritage defender. He is a doctoral candidate in heritage crime at Great Britain’s Defense Academy (Cranfield University), a community scholar at the University of Denver, a visiting scholar at Tufts University, and an incoming postdoctoral fellow at Oxford University’s Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Maghakyan’s investigative exposés on Azerbaijan’s state-sponsored erasure of Armenian cultural heritage have been cited at the International Court of Justice and praised as “rock solid” by The Guardian. His writing has been featured in numerous news outlets, including Time, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, and he has appeared on Democracy Now! and the BBC, among other outlets. Maghakyan’s recent collaborative investigation in New Lines Magazine exposed the secret Azerbaijani facility that served as a basis for “concentration camp” fears in Artsakh in 2023.

For information about upcoming Armenian Studies Program presentations, please follow us on Facebook or the program website.

Hye Hearts Dance returns to Connecticut

Hovhannisian John
 Guest Contributor Diaspora, Announcements 0

The Hye Hearts Dance is set to take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8 p.m. at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor Airport Hotel in Windsor, Connecticut, 28 Day Hill Road.

This is the fourth Hye Hearts Dance, the previous one taking place in 2019 before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s event is hosted by the Tri-City Armenian Cultural Committee, consisting of the Armenian churches of Greater Hartford and Western Massachusetts – St. George of Hartford, CT; St. Gregory of Indian Orchard, MA; Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT; St. Mark of Springfield, MA; and St. Stephen’s of New Britain. 

Half of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to help refugees from Artsakh. 

Hundreds of Armenians and people from the area have attended past Hye Hearts, dancing to the sounds of a live Armenian band and a DJ. The band will feature Harry Bedrossian on oud and vocals, Leon Janikian on clarinet, Bruce Gigargian on guitar and Charlie Dermenjian on dumbeg. DJ Impossible will play popular American and Armenian music.

The goal of the dance committee is to ensure that Armenian cultural traditions continue into the future. The committee believes that keeping traditions alive is important so that we teach the next generation about our shared past. 

The Hye Hearts Dance, which has traditionally taken place around Valentine’s Day, is named in honor of Saint Sarkis, the beloved Armenian Patron Saint of love and youth. According to tradition, on the eve of the feast of Saint Sarkis, young people eat salty biscuits and refrain from drinking water, so as to induce the appearance of their future bride or bridegroom in their dreams, bringing them water. Named Saint Sarkis Aghablit, this sweet pastry is widely eaten in Armenian communities to symbolize the blessings brought by the Saint. 

Tickets are $55 for adults and $30 for students until January 20. After January 20 and at the door, tickets are $65 for adults. Tickets for children 10 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at https://hyehearts.eventbrite.com/. Checks can also be made payable to TCCC and mailed to event treasurer Gary Hovhanessian at 81 Cope Farms Road, Farmington, CT 06032. Tables of 10 may be reserved. 

Mezze and desserts will be provided, and there will be a full cash bar. There will also be a raffle featuring a variety of exciting prizes donated by hosting parishes and local businesses. For questions about the dance, contact Talene Jermakian at 413-374-8556 or [email protected], or Gary Hovhanessian at 860-690-5959 or [email protected].




Mourad Armenian Saturday School celebrates Armenian Christmas

Arsine Chaltikian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Sts. Vartanantz Church Mourad Armenian School celebrated Armenian Christmas on Saturday, January 6, 2024, following the Christmas Badarak and the Blessing of the Water. 

During the Divine Liturgy, the 7th grade students beautifully recited the Havadamk (Nicene Creed) as they stood in front of the altar in their shabeegs and veils. They also witnessed the ceremony of the Blessing of the Water, during which Matt Burke was honored as Godfather of the Holy Cross.

Immediately after church services, approximately 180 guests, including students, made their way to the Aramian and Fermanian Halls for the Christmas Hantes (recital). Thanks to the efforts of the parent-teacher organization (PTO), the hall was bustling with Christmas cheer and a festive atmosphere.

The Mourad Armenian School 7th grade students reciting the Havadamk (Nicene Creed)

In her opening remarks, Mourad Armenian School co-director June Mangassarian thanked everyone for supporting the school and commended the students and teachers for their dedication. “Our students brighten up our days, every Saturday. They come to school with big smiles and eager to learn our language,” said Mangassarian. Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian then offered the opening prayer. 

Co-director Lala Attarian highlighted the vital role of Armenian institutions in our struggle to preserve our identity, language and heritage. She also mentioned that our students have had an active role in raising funds for their brothers and sisters from Artsakh. Moreover, she proudly announced that Mourad Armenian Saturday School has established the Sister School program with the “Nor Oughi” school in the Ararat province of Armenia, an ongoing project that aims to help students connect with their peers in the homeland. Attarian invited Mourad School Committee chairman Hagop Khatchadourian to present his remarks. 

Khatchadourian reflected on the message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, proclaiming 2024 as the “Year of Human Resources Preparation.” “Let us rekindle our mission of devoted work, and let’s revamp our activities in Providence…Considering the challenges of our community, we need to work together to ‘prepare’ our future leaders and teachers,” said Khatchadourian. Finally, he invited the community to attend the 90th anniversary celebration of the Mourad Armenian School, which will take place on April 6, 2024.

The students then began their performance, including songs and a piano solo. They sang with enthusiasm under the direction of music director Baron Raffi Rachdouni. When the children started singing Gaghant Baba, Santa appeared with a bag full of gifts for the students on stage, as well as babies and siblings in the audience. Gifts were donated by the Providence ARS “Arax” and “Ani” chapters and Taline Badrikian, author of children’s books. After Santa left, the raffle tickets were drawn, and everyone, winners or not, departed with delight and joy!  The event concluded with Rev. Fr. Nazarian’s appreciative remarks and the closing prayer. 

The food, prepared and served by the Ladies’ Guild and the Men’s Club, was delicious and plentiful. Special thanks to PTO members Ani Dedeyan, Alenoush Hagopian, Megan Khatchadourian and Melanie Zeitounian, the students and teachers who all worked hard for this unprecedented event. It really takes a village to put on such an event!

The Mourad Armenian School thanks all the families who supplied the desserts and the following establishments and individuals for their generous donations: Ani’s Full-Service Salon, Dedeyan family, The Gentleman Cigar Lounge, Hercules Pizza, Iskenderian family, Karo’s Barber Shop, Kodos Jewelry, Krikorian family, Noreen LaFazia, My Car, Inc., The Patio on Broadway, Pizza Palace, PJ’s Pub, Talar Restikian, Sako’s Pizza and Virginia and Spanish Peanut Company.